Thursday, 19 February 2009

Building the mediascape structure...Following on the theme of change and archive, it was time to move on from using Something More as the structure to develop e-merge. I suppose one of the things with moving image of any kind is that you have to sketch it out in time. With locative media the dimension of space needs sketching out too (topography or place at least - height/volume doesn't feature much yet).What happens when someone moves outside the 'active' space? What happens when their device doesn't recognise the place? To what extent do they need to see their journey as part of the mapped landscape, or does that detract from the experience of landscape, or experience of the piece?

My use of mscape explores ways to use pervasive media in harmony with an unencumbered direct experience of place. When you go to a beautiful place, is it really enhanced by looking at a screen or listening to a commentary? Is there a way to use the technology to enhance experience that both adds to the occasion and evokes a memorable artistic experience? And of course there are all the concerns of interactive media design about meaningful user input - to what extent can, or would we want to, control our choices and the freedom we offer to others?

Those are the indulgent philosophical thoughts of the morning, reflecting after the midnight hours that birthed a working sketch (of time and space) unique to e-merge.It has a beginning, middle and end! It knows where it is and what to do if it doesn't; it can choose music; doesn't drift (too much); knows when to play the film and is even polite enough to ask if you'd like different music or another walk!

Now back to the finer details - timers and finding the most reliable way of logging are the tasks for thismorning. [Note: sketch including timers & log here]

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‘e-merge’ _ a film-making mediascape

Enjoy a movie in the park, on your own, or with a friend or family. Pick up an ipaq and headphones from mediascape base at the ICA, and explore the park. Choose music especially commissioned for the piece, and wander around – you choose where to walk, how far, how fast – the music may encourage you to twist and turn as you meander the paths around the lakeside. When you’re ready, find a comfy place to watch your film – with images taken from the places you’ve walked, you may find a few surprises too! Make one long film, or several short films, and when you’ve finished we’ll upload a selection of films to the e-merge website http://www.e-merge-walks.com/ so you can watch again, show your friends, and compare films!

Jackie Calderwood is a freelance media artist working with moving image, interactive and pervasive media. Jackie also creates short films for community arts projects in SW England and is a moderator for the young people’s Arts Award. e-merge is part of Jackie’s ongoing research exploring interaction between artist, audience and artefact.

Commissioned for Birds Eye View 2009, located in St James’ Park, London [Start point: ICA]. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Equipment supported by the Pervasive Media Studio. Illustrated map provided by the Royal Parks.